Filling out N-400 for a 20 year green card holder over 50

[BoloYoung2011]

Hi everyone, I've tried calling the USCIS customer service number but I find it hard to get a hold of a rep.

My mother is going to apply for naturalization and since she's had a green card for over 20 years and she is 54, she does not have to pass the English comprehension exam, only the civics one.

1. - When filling out the N-400 form, do we have to note that anywhere?
2. - Can I or my brother be translating for her at the interview or does it have to be someone unrelated to her? We've heard different answers depending on who we call.

 

[BigJoe5]

INA 312 allows for this exception, look it up at www.uscis.gov on the laws tab. The interviewing Officer will probably let a family member translate but you may NOT supply the answers yourself---merely translate back and forth. Also, depending on the language, the Officer or by relying on a fellow employee may not need you to translate. Take a close loom at the USCIS staff---it's a mini United Nations at most offices.

Sometimes family members are booted out IF the questions are sensitive and they want to protect the applicant from your finding out something potentially damaging or embarrassing. As an example: IF an Officer needs to ask an old lady about a past criminal conviction for prostitution in her youth, a spouse, child or grandchild IS going to be asked to leave OR ELSE a complaint is a likely bet for such a stupid move.

 

[BoloYoung2011]

INA 312 allows for this exception, look it up at [cut] on the laws tab. The interviewing Officer will probably let a family member translate but you may NOT supply the answers yourself---merely translate back and forth. Also, depending on the language, the Officer or by relying on a fellow employee may not need you to translate. Take a close loom at the USCIS staff---it's a mini United Nations at most offices.

Sometimes family members are booted out IF the questions are sensitive and they want to protect the applicant from your finding out something potentially damaging or embarrassing. As an example: IF an Officer needs to ask an old lady about a past criminal conviction for prostitution in her youth, a spouse, child or grandchild IS going to be asked to leave OR ELSE a complaint is a likely bet for such a stupid move.

That makes sense.

What about the first question? Is there anywhere on the N-400 form where she has to note that she doesn't have to take the english exam and that she will show up at the interview with a translator?

 

[BigJoe5]

That makes sense.

What about the first question? Is there anywhere on the N-400 form where she has to note that she doesn't have to take the english exam and that she will show up at the interview with a translator?

No, not required but a note would be thoughtful or use the "other" space in the part of the form that addresses these related issues. She is NOT asking for a waiver, she qualifies for an exception. Note as "50/20"